Pocket-coupling.



B. P. Kmm; POCKET GOUPLING.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 28, 1910.

Patented Nov. 28, 1911.

2 snn'rs-slimz'r 1.

E. P. KINNE.

POCKET CQUPLING.

APPLICATION FILED $221". 26. 1010 1,009,975. Patented N0v.28, 1911.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2.

the form of the shims and construction of the'coupler pocket being slightly dilferent from that shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7 As most clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a coupler-consisting of thehead 10, the knuckle 11,'and the coupler shank 12 of the usual construction is retained in a coupler pocket 13 which is attached to a locomotive. The coupler shank 12 is held in position by the pivot pin 14 whichpasses through suitable apertures in the upper and lower walls of the coupler pocket 13, and a corresponding a erture in the coupler shank 12. The shape 0? the coupler pocket 13 is such that a slight amount of lateral movement of the coupler shank is permitted on the pivot pin 14.

As most clearly shown in Figs. 2. and 5, the height of the coupler pocket is somewhat greater than that of the coupler shank. In order to keep the latter in a horizontal position, it will be evident that some supporting means should be used in addition to the pivot pin 14, inasmuch as the latter does not fit tightly within the aperture in the coupler shank, and the coupler would tend to tilt wereit not supported in position. Such a support is provided by means of a shim 15 as shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7, or 15 as indicated In Figs. 1, 2, '8, 4:. The shim 15 of Figs. 5, Sand 7 is placed in a recess 16 at the upper inner angle of the coupler pocket 13, being held in position either by its tight fit in the recess 16 or by other suitable means.-

Not only isthere a recess 16 at the upper inner angles of the coupler pocket 16, but there is a similar recess 17 near the lower outer edge of the pocket. When the locomo tiveis new and occupies a relatively high position, the coupler shank 12 is held. in its correct position engaging the lower surface of the coupler pocket by placing the shim 15 within the recess 16. After the tires of the locomotive have become worn and the springs settle so the. it is desired to elevatethe coupler shank relatively to the coupler pocket, the shim is remove-d from the recess 16 and inserted in the recess 17. It will thusbe clear that although the locomotive has settled on account of wear of its various parts, the coupler shank may be retained in Zt'lie correct position for coupling the cars.

It often happens that on account of the wear or bending of the pivot pin, the coupler, with its associated shank 12,'is caused to tilt. When this is the case, an auxiliary shim l8 may be placed in the recess 17 and the coupler shank 12 thereby elevated to its correct position.

In Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, the shim 15 isof asemi-circular shape, and is provided with the upstanding lugs or projections 19 through which pass the apertures '20. Apertures for the lugs 19 are provided in the upper wall of the coupler pocket 13, and, as most clearly shown in Fig. 1, when the shim 15 is placed in position, cotter pins 21 are passed through the apertures 20 and the shim 15 is thus securely held in position. The shim 15 may be transferred to the'lower front portion of the coupler pocket 13 when it 'is desired to elevate the coupler shank in the same manner as above-described. Moreover when the coupler droops either on account of the wear on the pivot 'pin, or wear have described without departing from the spirit of my invention.

That I claim is:

1. The combination with a coupler and pivot pin, of a coupler pocket of greater internal height than the coupler shank, the upper wall of said pocket being provided with a shim seat near its inner end and a lower wall having a shim seat near its outer end, and a shim for engaging said coupler shank and adapted to be secured in one of its seats and thereby regulate the height of said coupler shank, substantially as described.

2. The combination with a coupler and coupler pin, of a coupler pocket of greater internal height than the coupler shank, a shim attached to the internal surface of said pocket and engaging the inner end of the coupler shank, and an auxiliary shim attached to the opposite internal surface of said pocket to counteract the drooping of said coupler shank, substantially as described.

EDMUND P. KINNE. Witnesses:

MILTON C. Moonn, LAUNA CARLIsLE. 

